On July 11, the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda held a reception to celebrate the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Chinese Ambassador GAO Wenqi, Senior Captain (Navy) LI Dayi, Chinese Defence Attaché to Rwanda, Major General Alex KAGAME, Rwanda Reserve Force Chief of Staff, attended the event. Around 300 people participated, including representatives of the Rwandan Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Rwanda Defence Forces, Rwanda National Police, Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Defence Attachés accredited to Rwanda, and Rwandan friends from all walks of life as well as Chinese communities in Rwanda.

In his speech, Senior Captain (Navy) LI Dayi said that the 98-year journey of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army is one of peace, sacrifice and dedication featured by unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and development. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping’s Thought on Strengthening the Military, the PLA has pursued aself-defensive national defence policy and a path of peaceful development, and provided strong support for safeguarding world peace and building a community with a shared future for mankind. This year also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese people’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. China will continue to work with all countries in the world, including Rwanda, to defend the victory and hard-won peace, and join hands to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity.

Major General Alex Kagame extended the warm congratulations to the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, and highly commended the PLA’s unremitting efforts to safeguard national sovereignty and dignity. The RDF and the PLA share similar history and values as both armies fought courageously for the liberation and freedom of the people. Rwanda stands ready to continue to work with China to deepen cooperation and mutual understanding.

The reception also featured a photo exhibition titled “Safeguarding World Peace for a Shared Destiny--A Force for World Peace” and a peacekeeping themed video called “Light of Peace”. Guests extended their congratulations on the 98th anniversary of the founding of the PLA and highly appreciated China’s contributions to safeguarding the world peace and stability.